Before relegation while under the ownership of Mel Morris, Derby County’s story was one of straining against financial fair play rules as they chased the dream of promotion to the Premier League. They came close with play-off final defeats in 2014 and 2019, but spending big eventually catches up with a club. A spiralling series of points deductions, failed takeovers and financial woes left Derby battling for their Championship status in 2021-22 before they eventually succumbed to relegation. Their very existence was of greater worry, too. Property developer Clowes was the saviour — stepping up to save the club when it looked like all hope had been lost in the summer of 2022. After starting last season with five senior players, no kit and minimal staff before Paul Warne’s arrival in September 2022, Derby finished seventh and missed the play-offs by a place. The Derby built in Clowes’ image and with Warne’s leadership is more modest and humble than the one that came before, as might